Veterinary Radiology

Radiology

The field of radiology and diagnostic imaging has advanced so significantly over the last few years, it may seem as though pets are getting more diseases as they age. Truth is, we are just better at detecting them, many of which can successfully be treated or managed. The equipment used today in a highly specialized veterinary center like ours is typically the same machinery used in human hospitals. Ours just comes with lots of treats, hugs and love.

All are painless, non-invasive techniques that can be performed safely and relatively quickly.

Most internal medicine, oncology, surgery, or emergency patients at AVS receive imaging services from DVMS. This collaborative endeavor combines expert specialty veterinary care to provide optimal treatment for all patients. Thanks to our web-based access and storage capabilities, all images are easily available to your family veterinarian upon request. And all images are placed in your pet’s electronic medical record for easy retrieval and comparison as new imaging studies are performed.

Digital Radiography

Provides greater detail in evaluating internal and bony structures as compared to traditional x-ray techniques. Digital images take less time to process, create less radiation exposure to your pet and our staff, can be enhanced when viewing for better detail, and are easier to store and share with your family veterinarian. Desert Veterinary Medical Specialists is equipped with two Idexx digital radiology (DR) units. All of our diagnostic imaging modalities are DICOM compatible and are networked to an intergrated PACS server. Examination rooms are equipped with computers to enable digital viewing of radiographic images.

Ultrasound

A non-invasive and non-painful modality that uses sound waves to provide better resolution and evaluation of internal organs and other soft tissues. This allows for early detection of masses and internal fluid, and subtle changes in organ size and structure. Ultrasound-guided sampling of any identified abnormalities can also be performed, usually during the same visit. It is necessary to clip your pet’s hair in the area of the ultrasound. Some, but few, pets require sedation for ultrasound.

64 Slice Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

Computed tomography uses a computer to produce highly detailed cross-sectional images (slices) of the body. CT allows visualization of parts of the body that are otherwise difficult to evaluate with other imaging technologies. CT is utilized for diseases of the brain, sinuses, inner ear, orbit, spine, bones, joints, and soft tissues – virtually any body part! CT scans are performed with a state-of-the art Toshiba 64-slice helical scanner – currently the only 64 slice scanner in the Valley. This provides more rapid acquisition and processing of images which decreases anesthesia or sedation time. Anesthesia or sedation is required to prevent patient movement – the length of time is short, and patients are well monitored using equipment that measures heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, heart rhythms, and oxygen levels.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is essentially a dynamic x-ray machine that allows our doctors to see motion in certain organs. It is often used to evaluate diseases of the esophagus, trachea, or urinary tract.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear imaging is a technique that allows veterinarians to obtain images of various body systems by placing tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called "tracers") into the patient’s body, usually by intravenous injection. The "tracers" emit a certain type of energy, called gamma rays, which are detected by a device called a gamma camera. We are equipped with a state-of-the-art GE-AC/T Scintron large field of view digital gamma camera that uses the latest Mirage software program to aid in the diagnosis of a wide variety of conditions including liver problems, thyroid problems, bone diseases, or injuries.